Lb Figures Football Is Worth His Weight

COLLEGE FOOTBALL - FSU

Coach, Racquetball Get Crockett To Reduce

November 21, 1996|By CRAIG BARNES Staff Writer and Alan Schmadtke of the Tallahassee Bureau contributed to this report.

Florida State linebacker Henri Crockett had no idea how much of an effect racquetball would have on his football.

Crockett, a senior from Pompano Ely, began playing racquetball with teammates, but mostly with his new position coach, Chuck Amato, who is an excellent player.

"He would run me all over the court," Crockett said. "At first it wasn't much fun, but then I learned something about the game and understood how it was helping me lose weight and improve my quickness. By the end of the summer, I had become decent at it."

By the time preseason practice began, Crockett's weight had dropped 20 pounds to 235, and it signaled the beginning of what has been an outstanding season.

Ability had always been there, but Crockett hadn't understood the need to become faster and quicker. He wasn't convinced losing weight would make a difference, but his brother, Zack, a fullback for the Indianapolis Colts, and Amato made him understand.

"Coach Amato's message was simple: Lose the weight or don't play; and that was good enough for me," Crockett said, "But Zack called just about every day to make sure that I was eating right, lifting weights and working at it.

"It has made me a player. I always thought I could be as good in college as I was in high school without changing a thing. I didn't recognize the increased skill level of the offensive players. I was good at 255, but good isn't good enough in college. Good players don't make it, and the NFL scouts aren't interested in good players."

Crockett has gone from good to outstanding. He will play in the Senior Bowl. On a defense filled with playmakers, he's been one of the most consistent - 85 tackles, second on the team, including nine for 28 yards in losses. He also has 4 1/2 sacks, three passes defended, a fumble caused and one recovered.

"Things came easy to Henri," coach Bobby Bowden said, "and I'm not sure the importance of getting his weight down really hit him until it was presented as a demand rather than an option. He's better because he's worked harder."

Crockett remembers losing weight when he was a sophomore, but he didn't lift weights to make him stronger at the same time.

"He finally looked at it from the perspective of `maybe I should do what they're asking because what I've done hasn't worked.' Sometimes kids want discipline," Amato said. "There was help from his brother, but the real difference was trust. He knew there was genuine interest in making him better for the season and preparing him for the next level, and he responded."

Crockett is looking forward to playing Maryland Saturday (3:30 at Pro Player Stadium) because he'll have a chance to show his family and friends how much progress he's made.

Some of them were at the Orange Bowl in October when the Seminoles beat Miami 34-16, and Crockett believes it helps to play in front of relatives and friends.

"I know when we beat Wake Forest [44-7) in Orlando, [Daryl) Bush played a tremendous game," Crockett said. "He was really excited because it was the first time his grandmother had been to a game."

Crockett also believes that he has gotten smarter.

"I've always been good between the tackles," Crockett said. "My instincts help me find the ball, but my ability to cover the pass and blitz have increased a lot. People don't know what it's like to be left in the open with backs like Warrick [Dunn) and not have enough speed to even give you a chance.

"For a long time, I was known for the big hit. I could have 20 tackles, but if I didn't knock somebody out, it didn't matter. I've learned if you just play solid, fundamental defense, the big hit finds you instead of you having to look for it."

Seminole notes

FSU fans from Tangerine can take comfort that their birthday gift to coach Bowden is appreciated and in use. They sent Bowden a notepad with a pen attached. When the pen is removed, a reading light illuminates the pad. "I've used it a couple of times already," Bowden said. "I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about something, jot myself a couple of notes and go back to bed."Bowden declined to specify whether his morning wake-up sessions pertained to Saturday's opponent, Maryland, or next week's rival, Florida. ... Receiver Andre Cooper rejoined the 'Noles at practice and ran routes so well that he could be cleared to play. But Bowden said he'll probably make Cooper rest even if cleared by the medical staff. Defensive tackle Connell Spain will not play Saturday but said he could if needed. "I could go," Spain said. "My knee feels a lot better. I'm moving a lot better."Spain has is recovering from a sprain. ..

Crockett limped out of practice with a pulled groin, but coaches said they expect him to play Saturday. Linebacker Lamont Green practiced despite a sore ankle and should play as well, but the joint is tender. Defensive linemen Larry Smith and Julian Pittman were sick and unable to practice. Defensive ends coach Jim Gladden is keeping Greg Spires out of heavy contact so his sore ankle will be be fit for Saturday's game.